Richard V. Damms

Richard V. Damms is an Associate Professor of American History at Mississippi State University (MSU) and Division Head of Arts and Sciences at MSU-Meridian. His research focuses on 20th century U.S. diplomacy, Cold War strategy, and Eisenhower-era national security policy. He holds membership in the department’s Empire, Power, Identity and Conflict (EPIC) faculty. Damms has authored/co-edited multiple books including Scientists and Statesmen: Eisenhower’s Science Advisers and National Security Policy (2015) and The Eisenhower Presidency, 1953-1961 (2002). His current projects include a book on Anglo-American relations post-Suez Crisis and a political biography of Mississippi Congressman Wall Doxey.

Education: Ph.D. in History from Ohio State University (1993). Career highlights include directing the Center for Historical Studies (2003-2006) under a U.S. Department of Education grant, and serving on Mississippi state education committees. Awards include the Mississippi Humanities Council’s Humanities Teacher of the Year Award.

Research interests span Eisenhower administration strategies, Cold War technological competition, and Latin American diplomatic history. His work bridges historiography and applied historical education, emphasizing K-12 history instruction quality. Recent publications analyze Eisenhower’s legacy, Cold War decision-making, and Suez Crisis aftermath strategies.

Professional service includes former editor-in-chief of Mississippi History Now, leadership in historical education initiatives, and international conference presentations. He supervises graduate research in diplomatic history and national security affairs.